Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: elettromagnetismo, ottica, fisica moderna from Coursera

Il corso affronta le tematiche dell'elettromagnetismo e dell'ottica, fornendo le nozioni che risultano utili per affrontare insegnamenti di fisica di base, a partire dalla comprensione del metodo sperimentale per poi mostrare le grandezze fondamentali e loro relazioni in tali ambiti, imparando a identificarle, distinguerle e utilizzarle.

Gli argomenti affrontati relativamente all'elettromagnetismo sono, divisi per settimane:

· campo elettrico, conduttori, condensatori e materiali dielettrici

· corrente elettrica, campo magnetico e materiali magnetici

mentre per l'ottica si ha

· onde elettromagnetiche, ottica geometrica e ottica ondulatoria

con un'ultima settimana di accenno alla fisica moderna.

All’interno di ogni settimana si trovano video relativi a lezioni, esercizi ed approfondimenti su alcuni argomenti, nonché quiz a risposta chiusa allo scopo di fornire allo studente l’opportunità di un primo feedback di auto-valutazione. Ognuna delle tematiche si chiude poi con un quiz riepilogativo per verificare l’acquisizione delle nozioni presentate.

What's inside

Syllabus

Campo elettrico

Nello studio della meccanica si introducono dei fenomeni che la stessa meccanica non spiega, ad esempio la forza d’attrito o la forza elastica; per una loro spiegazione a livello fondamentale è necessario approfondire un altro aspetto della fisica, l’elettromagnetismo, in particolare l’elettrostatica e la magnetostatica. Il termine statica si riferisce al fatto che tali fenomeni verranno analizzati solamente in condizioni di campo costante, ossia distribuzioni costanti di carica per il campo elettrico e correnti costanti per il campo magnetico; questo consente di separare analiticamente l'elettromagnetismo nelle due formulazioni, descrivendo due fenomenologie che sembrano differenti e non correlate, cosa non permessa per campi variabili nel tempo.

Corrente elettrica e campo magnetico

La corrente elettrica è costituita da un flusso ordinato di cariche elettriche, ed i suoi effetti sono noti e presenti in diversi ambiti: dall'effetto termico (in cui il passaggio di corrente in un conduttore ne produce il riscaldamento per effetto Joule) all'effetto biologico (l’applicazione di una corrente elettrica causa la contrazione delle fibre muscolari) passando per l'effetto magnetico (un circuito percorso da corrente elettrica crea un campo magnetico, che è in grado di sviluppare una forza magnetica su cariche in moto). Come per il campo elettrico, anche per il campo magnetico vengono poi analizzate alcune configurazioni di sorgenti (in questo caso le correnti elettriche, per il campo elettrico erano le cariche) che determinano il campo ed altre che il campo lo subiscono.

Ottica

Quando i campi elettrico o magnetico non sono più statici, le interazioni che nascono sono variabili nel tempo e portano alla nascita delle onde elettromagnetiche, o radiazione. Non ha quindi più senso parlare separatamente di campo elettrico e magnetico, ma piuttosto di un campo elettromagnetico. L’ottica è la disciplina che studia la propagazione della radiazione (non solo quella visibile) e il suo comportamento nell’interazione con la materia: tale comportamento dipende dalla relazione tra la lunghezza d’onda della radiazione e la dimensione caratteristica degli ostacoli incontrati, e si può suddividere in ottica geometrica o ottica ondulatoria.

Fisica Moderna

La fisica classica rende conto dell’osservazione quotidiana dei fenomeni legata ai nostri sensi, da cui le sue branche: la meccanica (la fisica del moto), la gravitazione (la fisica planetaria), la termodinamica (la fisica del calore), l’acustica (la fisica del suono), l’elettromagnetismo (la fisica della radiazione), l’ottica (la fisica della luce). A partire dal secolo scorso (da cui il nome di fisica moderna) alcune osservazioni portano a rivedere alcuni concetti, in particolare con la fisica relativistica nel caso di moti particolarmente veloci, con la fisica quantistica quando si osservano fenomeni su scale dimensionali molto piccole, e con la fisica atomica che penetra nell’intimo della materia e analizza i suoi costituenti fondamentali.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Adatto a chi cerca una comprensione dei principi di base dell'elettromagnetismo e dell'ottica

Utile per preparare lo studente a comprendere le nozioni di fisica di base

Fornisce una solida base per il campo elettrico, la corrente elettrica e l'ottica

I quiz a risposta chiusa consentono una verifica costante dei progressi

Include un accenno alla fisica moderna, ampliando le prospettive

Richiede un background limitato, rendendolo accessibile anche a principianti

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: elettromagnetismo, ottica, fisica moderna with these activities:

Review basic algebra concepts

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Introduce basic concepts that are essential to electromagnetic and optics theory

Browse courses on Algebra

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Review the concepts of functions, graphs, and equations
Practice solving linear and quadratic equations
Refresh knowledge of matrices and determinants

Review basic algebra and trigonometry

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Sharpen foundational math skills to support understanding of electromagnetism and optics.

Browse courses on Trigonometry

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Review concepts of algebra such as variables, equations, and functions.
Practice solving trigonometric equations.

Engage in group discussions on the historical development of optics

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Foster understanding through collaborative discussions on the evolution of optics

Browse courses on Optics

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Join or form a study group with classmates
Research and prepare presentations on key historical figures and discoveries in optics
Engage in group discussions, sharing insights and perspectives

11 other activities

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Review introductory physics

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Brush up on introductory physics skills to strengthen the foundation for this course.

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Review concepts of motion, forces, and energy.
Solve practice problems to test understanding.

Use Gauss’s law to calculate electric fields

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Provide practice applying Gauss's law to determine electric fields in various scenarios

Browse courses on Electric Fields

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Study the theoretical concepts of Gauss's law
Solve practice problems involving the application of Gauss's law
Apply Gauss's law to real-world situations

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Improve organization and retention by compiling a comprehensive study guide.

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Gather notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Review and summarize the material.
Organize the information into a logical and accessible format.

Explore simulations and online resources on electromagnetic induction

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Enhance comprehension through interactive simulations and online resources

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Identify reputable websites and platforms offering simulations on electromagnetic induction
Explore the simulations and interact with the provided scenarios
Analyze the results and observations from the simulations

Explore real-world applications of electromagnetism and optics

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Deepen understanding of electromagnetism and optics by investigating their applications in real-world scenarios.

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Find online tutorials on topics such as electromagnetic induction, fiber optics, and optical sensors.
Work through the tutorials at your own pace.
Apply the concepts learned to analyze real-world examples.

Solve electromagnetism and optics problems

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Strengthen problem-solving skills in electromagnetism and optics through repetitive practice.

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Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or past exams.
Work through the problems methodically.
Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Participate in study group discussions

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Enhance understanding by engaging in discussions and exchanging ideas with peers.

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Join or form a study group with classmates.
Attend regular study sessions.
Actively participate in discussions and contribute to learning.

Design a presentation on the applications of electromagnetic waves

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Consolidate understanding by creating a presentation on practical uses of electromagnetic waves

Browse courses on Electromagnetic waves

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Research various applications of electromagnetic waves in different fields
Organize and structure the presentation content
Create visual aids and supporting materials
Rehearse and deliver the presentation effectively

Develop a visual presentation on a topic related to electromagnetism or optics

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Synthesize and demonstrate understanding of a specific topic by creating a visually engaging presentation.

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Choose a specific topic related to electromagnetism or optics.
Research and gather relevant information.
Design and create slides that clearly explain the topic.
Practice presenting the material effectively.

Design and build a simple electrical circuit or optical device

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Apply theoretical knowledge to design and build a tangible project that demonstrates understanding of electromagnetism or optics.

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Brainstorm and design a simple electrical circuit or optical device.
Gather the necessary materials and equipment.
Construct and test the device.
Analyze the results and make improvements.

Contribute to an open-source project related to electromagnetism or optics

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Gain practical experience and deepen understanding by contributing to real-world electromagnetism or optics projects.

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Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests.
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation.
Make meaningful contributions to the project, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: elettromagnetismo, ottica, fisica moderna will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and control systems. This course helps build a foundation for Electrical Engineers by providing a comprehensive understanding of electromagnetism, optics, and physics. The course's focus on experimental methods is particularly valuable for Electrical Engineers, as they must be able to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and improve existing ones. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. This course helps provide Materials Scientists with a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and optics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of materials. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Materials Scientists, as they must be able to characterize and test new materials.

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Optical Engineer

Optical Engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components. They work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, lasers, and medical imaging. This course provides Optical Engineers with a comprehensive understanding of optics, including the principles of wave propagation, diffraction, and interference. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Optical Engineers, as they must be able to design and test optical systems.

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Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineers design, develop, and test devices that use light to transmit, process, and store information. They work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, lasers, and medical imaging. This course helps provide Photonics Engineers with a strong foundation in electromagnetism and optics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of light. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Photonics Engineers, as they must be able to design and test photonic devices.

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Plasma Physicist

Plasma Physicists study the behavior of plasma, which is a state of matter that is composed of ionized gas. Plasma Physicists work in a variety of fields, including fusion energy, astrophysics, and plasma processing. This course provides Plasma Physicists with a strong foundation in electromagnetism, which is essential for understanding the behavior of plasma. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Plasma Physicists, as they must be able to design and conduct experiments to study plasma.

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Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe, including stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes. They use a variety of telescopes and other instruments to collect data about the universe. This course provides Astronomers with a strong foundation in electromagnetism and optics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of light and other electromagnetic radiation. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Astronomers, as they must be able to design and conduct experiments to study the universe.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and operate nuclear reactors and other nuclear facilities. They work in a variety of industries, including power generation, nuclear medicine, and nuclear waste management. This course helps provide Nuclear Engineers with a strong foundation in electromagnetism and optics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of nuclear radiation. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Nuclear Engineers, as they must be able to design and conduct experiments to study nuclear processes.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its crust, mantle, and core. They use a variety of techniques to study the Earth, including seismic waves, gravity, and electromagnetism. This course provides Geophysicists with a strong foundation in electromagnetism, which is essential for understanding the behavior of seismic waves and other geophysical phenomena. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Geophysicists, as they must be able to design and conduct experiments to study the Earth.

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Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. They work in a variety of fields, including particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. This course may be useful for Physicists who are interested in studying electromagnetism and optics. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Physicists who are interested in conducting research.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians develop and study mathematical theories and solve mathematical problems. They work in a variety of fields, including pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. This course may be useful for Mathematicians who are interested in studying the mathematical foundations of electromagnetism and optics. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Mathematicians who are interested in applying mathematics to real-world problems.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer systems and software. They work in a variety of fields, including artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and software engineering. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists who are interested in developing software for electromagnetism and optics applications. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Computer Scientists who are interested in conducting research in electromagnetism and optics.

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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical and electronic equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and telecommunications. This course provides Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians with a strong foundation in electromagnetism and optics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrical and electronic devices. The course's focus on experimental methods is also valuable for Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians, as they must be able to troubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic equipment.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science at the elementary, secondary, or college level. They develop and deliver lesson plans, grade student work, and provide feedback to students. This course may be useful for Science Teachers who are interested in teaching electromagnetism and optics. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Science Teachers who are interested in demonstrating science concepts to students.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help inventors to obtain and protect patents for their inventions. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. This course may be useful for Patent Attorneys who are interested in specializing in patents related to electromagnetism and optics. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Patent Attorneys who are interested in understanding the technical details of electromagnetism and optics.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They work in a variety of industries, including software, hardware, and manufacturing. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who are interested in writing documentation for electromagnetism and optics products and services. The course's focus on experimental methods may also be valuable for Technical Writers who are interested in understanding the technical details of electromagnetism and optics.

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